Nets coach Lionel Hollins explains why he has traveled to Africa for a fifth time, and why it means so much to him to give back.

Nets Take A Major Step Back

While Brooklyn was able to keep Brook Lopez, the inevitable decline of Joe Johnson and a complete lack of bench production might doom the Nets this season. Brooklyn looks like one of the worst teams on paper this year. Least improved (Insider)

Larkin responds to Jackson's jab

In Part 5 of The Phil Files, Phil Jackson said of then-Knicks PG Shane Larkin: "Unfortunately, Shane hasn't grown any since the start of the season." Larkin responded on Twitter: "couldn't grow in an offense I wasn't comfortable in. All good. No shade. Glad I'm across the river now. Wish them luck." The Phil Files

Going into the summer, Nets GM Billy King had four main objectives and he almost accomplished all of them.

Nets Won't Overcome Loss of Williams

While the Nets did a nice job of targeting young free agents with upside, they will be hard-pressed to make the postseason without Deron Williams. The Nets don't own a first-round pick, and might not be able to attract free agents with their max-level cap space, writes Kevin Pelton. Eastern Conference grades (Insider)

Threes the difference in Nets' loss

The Brooklyn Nets shot 4-for-20 on 3-points and watched the D-League Select Team to hit 13-of-26 from deep in their 85-64 loss on Friday. Josh Gasser scored 19 points for the Nets, who ended Vegas summer play 3-3.

Johnson, entering his 15th NBA season, has started 992 of the 1,062 career games he has played. He has not come off the bench since 2003-04.

Getty Images, USA TODAY Sports

Hollis-Jefferson compares to Kidd-Gilchrist

ESPN.com’s D.J. Foster believes Rondae Hollis-Jefferson reminds him of Michael Kidd-Glichrist. Both have great athleticism, which makes them good defenders, but both have a lot of work to do on their jumpers. Rookie comparisons (Insider)

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Ultimate Standings fan ballot

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